South Africa Highlights

Venture through spectacular South Africa over 13 unforgettable days. From Cape Town’s culture and coastlines to thrilling wildlife encounters in the Kruger and scenic drives along the Panorama Route, an epic adventure awaits!

Tour Summary

Embark on an unforgettable 13-day expedition through South Africa’s spectacular landscapes and cultural jewels. Begin in vibrant Cape Town, where towering mountains, bustling markets, and scenic coastal views await. Journey through Cape Point’s natural beauty and discover the starlit skies of the expansive Karoo. Witness the Garden Route’s lush vistas. Immerse yourself in exhilarating wildlife encounters in Kruger National Park and marvel at the stunning scenery along the Panorama Route. This expertly guided tour blends history, nature, and cultural experiences into one epic South African tour.

At a glance:

13
Days
Start:
South Africa
End:
South Africa
Transport
Accommodation
Meals

Reasons to book

  • Escorted by Tour Director for duration of tour
  • Customisable itineraries with daily add-on activities
  • Group-focused itineraries crafted by industry experts
  • 20 years of Operational Excellence
  • Protected payments and financial peace of mind

What’s Included

  • Enjoy a funicular ride up Table Mountain (weather permitting).
  • Explore Cape Town’s waterfront and the Bo Kaap neighbourhood.
  • Take a scenic drive to Cape Point with photo stops and penguin viewing.
  • Travel along Route 62 and experience the starlit Karoo skies.
  • Enjoy a heritage walk through the Cango Caves.
  • Visit a working ostrich farm.
  • Explore Monkeyland and Birds of Eden.
  • Discover coastal views at Tsitsikamma National Park.
  • Enjoy a private safari in a gorgeous game reserve.
  • Discover Knysna Bay harbour.
  • Visit the Pinnacle Caves viewpoint.
  • Explore heritage towns such as Swellendam
  • Enjoy whale watching in season in Hermanus (June-October).
  • Visit Stellenbosch and wineries in the Winelands.
  • Enjoy a full-day safari in the Kruger National Park.
  • Tour the Panorama Route and view Blyde River Canyon.
  • Visit Bourke’s Luck potholes, a popular geological attraction.
  • Transfer to Johannesburg, where the tour ends.

Itinerary

Expand all sections
Cape Town

Included meals: None the tour kicks off. Check in with your tour leader, and spend the rest of the day as you wish. Make the most of the free time to settle in and get a head start on soaking up the iconic sights.

Today, tick off some of Cape Town's top attractions. Start with a funicular ride up Table Mountain for sweeping city views (weather permitting). Then, continue exploring on a driving tour of the city. This afternoon, consider lunch on the famed Waterfront, and explore iconic sights like the streets of the Bo Kaap lined with multicoloured houses. End your day with an included group dinner.

Set out on a scenic drive to Cape Point after breakfast and tick off one of Africa’s most pristine and picturesque National Parks. Take advantage of unmissable photo opportunities at the continent's southwestern tip and observe the playful African penguins in their natural habitat at Boulders Beach. Enjoy free time to explore the cool coastal town of Kalk Bay along this gorgeous route.

Leave the Cape behind and travel along the historic and breathtaking Route 62 towards the Karoo. En route, enjoy comfort stops in charming towns and stop for lunch along the way. Arrive in the Karoo region by afternoon, just in time to witness the splendour of its famed night skies. Enjoy a peaceful evening under a tapestry of stars.

This morning, get ready to experience the Karoo, starting with a heritage walking tour of the ancient Cango Caves. This series of stunning dripstone caverns is over 20 million years old and offers endless photo opportunities. Later, visit a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn for a deep dive into these fascinating creatures, followed by a delicious local lunch. Lastly, travel toward the coast in the heart of the Garden Route for the night.

Begin this day of natural wonders with a visit to Monkeyland, home to over 500 monkeys across 9 species. Then, head to Birds of Eden, the world’s largest free-flight aviary, for a peaceful walk past fountains and treetops. Next, explore the Tsitsikamma National Park at the mouth of the Storms River, home to grand gorges, lush forests, and sensational seaside views. Enjoy a walk along the coast or choose to cross the longest suspension bridge in South Africa.

Leave Plettenberg Bay behind for the scenic Knysna Bay harbour. Upon arrival, soak up its spectacular views before driving along the Garden Route, famed for its gorgeous vistas, to Botlierskop. Here, embark on a private safari in a prestigious game reserve, where you can spot incredible wildlife like impalas, wildebeests, rhinos, lions, giraffes, and more. Continue to the Pinnacle Caves viewpoint, a fascinating archaeological site with fossil findings dating back 170,000 years.

Travel from Mossel Bay to the historic town of Swellendam, one of South Africa's oldest towns, home to 50 heritage site buildings with classic Cape Dutch architecture. Next, make your way to the coastal gem of Hermanus, a spellbinding seaside town famous for its marine life, Abalone farms and exceptional gastronomic experiences. Your exploration of Hermanus begins with plenty of time to explore and get acquainted with this charming town.

As Africa’s foremost whale-watching spot in season (June-October), this is the perfect spot to enjoy free time along the coastline. If the weather permits, head out on an ocean cruise this morning for a better chance to spot the famed marine life. Then, head to Stellenbosch in the famous Cape Winelands. Explore some of this university town's Dutch architecture, quaint boutiques and art galleries. Then, visit a local winery and taste some of South Africa's top varietals before returning to Cape Town in the evening.

This morning, head to Cape Town International Airport to catch a flight to the Kruger region, marking the start of your safari adventure. Transfer to a comfortable hotel right by the Kruger National Park and unwind under the South African sunset with a refreshing sundowner. Enjoy a delicious local dinner beneath the starlit African sky and prepare for the incredible wildlife and wilderness discovery ahead.

Good morning, Kruger National Park! Embark on a full-day 4-wheel-drive safari through the reserve to discover African wildlife in its natural environment. With an expert guide, explore the park in an open-sided vehicle, making rest stops along the way. Your time in the Kruger National Park offers abundant opportunities to spot the famous Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant) as well as other fauna and flora native to the country.

Get a head start on the day with an early departure. Travel along the awe-inspiring Panorama Route and marvel at the breathtaking views of the Blyde River Canyon! Visit the fascinating geological attraction of Bourke’s Luck potholes formed by water erosion, and explore the walkways and scenic bridges before heading to Johannesburg. Arrive in the late afternoon and enjoy a comfortable overnight stay near the airport to ensure smooth sailing in the morning.

After breakfast at the hotel, your tour of South Africa's sights and sensations comes to an end. Reminisce on a journey through diverse and picture-perfect landscapes, a rich and tumultuous history, and thrilling wildlife experiences as you prepare for your departure. We wish you many more safe travels ahead!

Subscribe to our newsletter